Libraries service’s Homecoming celebrations

Date Added - 20/08/09

Three attractive new leaflets and a series of family history fairs will help to promote Moray’s rich heritage this autumn as part of the 2009 Year of Homecoming celebrations.

The leaflets will prove invaluable to people researching the history of their home, their family history using local sources and for those looking for local interest books to find out more about the area.

History of a House, Discovering Family History and Exploring Moray’s History are available from local libraries.

Moray Council’s libraries and museums manager, Alistair Campbell, said the leaflets would be very helpful in encouraging individuals and families to find out more about their past and the area in which they live.

“The libraries service has some excellent collections and our staff have the expertise to assist with inquiries,” he said. “Finding out about your home, tracing your roots and relatives, exploring old newspapers and archives to see how people worked or spent their leisure time are fascinating activities for people of all ages.”

Mr Campbell said the council’s local heritage centre, located next to East End Primary School in Elgin, was looking forward to welcoming many more visitors.

Four family history days are also being held during the autumn, involving local and national genealogical experts as well as local heritage organisations.

The fair at Elgin Town Hall on October 10 will be the third largest to be staged in Scotland during the Year of Homecoming.

The first of the fairs takes place at Lossiemouth Town Hall and library on August 28 and 29 with photo displays, film shows, talks, workshops, family activities and the launch of the Ramsay Macdonald Trail.

The other fairs are at Keith on September 18 and 19 and Forres on November 7.